Roundup: House expected to pass partial Sandy-relief bill

The House is expected to pass $9.7 billion in aid to cover flood-insurance claims filed after Hurricane Sandy. File photo

Politico.com is reporting that the House of Representatives, looking to rebound from withering criticism by Governor Chris Christie, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and others should have no trouble passing the $9.7 billion portion of the Sandy-relief bill that will pay out flood-insurance claims filed by more than 120,000 individuals who suffered losses in the wake of the Oct. 29 hurricane.

Rep. Scott Garrett (R-5th District) is the lead sponsor on the bill, which will temporarily raise the flood-insurance program's borrowing authority. Speaker John Boehner, who was returned to his seat of power — albeit by a much smaller margin — seems to be motivated to get the vote passed. Boehner was called out Wednesday by Christie, who is outraged by the House hold-up on the $60.4 billion relief package.

Guns showing up in more N.J. schools

Quietly, more school districts around New Jersey are placing armed guards in their buildings. The Record is reporting that police officers are now manning elementary schools in Totowa. Earlier this week, NJ.com reporter Mark Bonamo and Jersey Journal reporter Anthony J. Machcinski wrote about increased security becoming part of the scene in Marlboro and Union City schools. An editorial in today's Star-Ledger suggests that having armed guards in schools is just one step in process of ending violence.

Post-Sandy economy can help, but not enough

Jarrett Renshaw, Statehouse reporter for The Star-Ledger, writes that experts testified Thursday that post-Sandy rebuilding efforts will be a boon to the New Jersey economy — but not enough to make up for lost revenue. Budget officer David Rosen said the state could wind up with a $2 billion shortfall in revenue.

In other news around the state:

Justin Zaremba of NJ.com reports that the Morris County Tea Party is up in arms over the "fiscal cliff" vote in Congress.

Erin Duffy, of the Times of Trenton, reports that Trenton City Council still can't get enough votes to pass an ordinance that would slash the salary of Mayor Tony Mack.